Gospel: Lk 24:13–35*
That same day, two followers of Jesus were going to Emmaus (...) While they were talking and arguing (...) Jesus came up and
walked with them, but their eyes were not able to recognize him. He asked, “What is it you are talking
about?” (...) They replied, “It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet, you know, mighty in word and deed before God and
the people. But the chief priests and our rulers sentenced him to death. They handed him over to be crucified. We had hoped that
he would redeem Israel. (...) He said to them, “How dull you are, how slow of understanding! Is the message of the prophets too difficult for you to
understand? Is it not written that the Christ should suffer all this, and then enter his glory?” (...) As they drew near the village
they were heading for, Jesus made as if to go farther. But they prevailed upon him, “Stay with us, for night comes quickly. The
day is now almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When they were at table, he took the bread, said a blessing, broke it,
and gave each a piece. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; but he vanished out of their sight. (...)

Reflection:

After the resurrection, Jesus is busy catching up with His scattered
disciples. In this instance, two of them are walking far away from Jerusalem.
They are on the way to Emmaus. We do not know the reasons for their
journey. Are they fleeing? Do they have a mission to do in Emmaus in behalf
of their group? We can only speculate. But what is amazing is that Jesus walks
with them. First He was an anonymous stranger. Then He teaches them
everything from scriptures (Old Testament) regarding the Messiah. From the
words of their holy book their understanding slowly progresses. It is during the
breaking of the bread that they fully know the mysterious stranger as
their Lord and Master. The Word and the Bread. They form a unity that enables
us to understand who Jesus is in a deeper way.

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